Highway guard



Sept. l, 1959 F. J. LUCARELLI HIGHWAY GUARD 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dc. 11, 195e INVENTOR lam: Jlumrellz' mm @www ATTORNEYS dnn@ .QLGEYQ HE@ w62 El Sept. 1, 1959 F. J. LUCARELLI HIGHWAY GUARD 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 11,. 195e l N VE NTOR 'alzk Lucarelli ATTORNEYS Sept. 1, 1959 F. J. LucARELLl 2,902,669

HIGHWAY GUARD Filed Dec. 11, 195s 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR Fra/? Lucarelli BY Mfg/a@ ATTORNEYS Sept. l, 1959 F. .1. LUCARELLI HIGHWAY GUARD 4-Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Dec. ll, 1956 THERMO SPV/7C# F06 DETECT/NG SW/ TCH SWITCH FLOAT L IVE WIRE GROUND l'anl'llumrelli ATTORNEYS United States Patente@ M .HIGHWAY .GUARD .Frank .J- Lucarelli, Miilflloborousll, Md Application December .-11,1v 1956, Serial No. 627,693 A i Y@1 Claims. .torso-.22.)

also `freqllently localized due 'to' the presence of moisture through a particular area. In such circumstances the driver is not aware of Athedangerous conditions and does .not exert the care that vhe would if Ahe were warned.

vc-Ljikewise tra'ic maintenance otlicials, who are charged with sandingwicy highways and taking other such precautionary measures', are too often unaware of a suddenly existent d anssrousroad Condition.

.it iiiifofo, ih@ .obioot .of 'this iiivoiltioll` to provide a `conditlio responsive device which will automatically and. imm atoly .Warn both motorists .and 'trac maintenancewfticials' of the approach and presence of d angeroml slippery or yicy conditions on the highway.

.if is .flio'furlllof obieot vof this invention to Prov-ido electricallyfoperated warning signal, the circuit lof Whichigautoinatically closed when the presence of moisrorad ondiiions.

I is further ,object of this invention `to provide` condit' responsive devices which can be placed at various ed anappreciahle degree ald thev tem-y t o heneathspecific degrees of temperature, thereby diating .varyinastasos in 'tho approach .of dangerous iiolintslepgxa highway and which win .transmit 11 pf Jtheir 'responses'. to .Signals on a remote master. panelLand falso indieate their vindividual responses by a signalflooated at'the,onmtionfresppnsive device itself.. i v

' Further objects and advantages will become apparent itam the rfolltivriixle Speoiafioos of a preferred embodimoet of the present invention, reference boing had to the accompanying d.Lani/ingsY forming part .lloroo in which likenumcralsrefer vto like parts.

-Invthe drawings: f

Figure l is a diagrammatical representation-showing .l the 'manner in which condition-responsive devices are located alone .a highway;

Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the master panel; ,Fig/ure 3 is a front elevational view of an individual sign'board and l`,cmditiomresponsive device as' mounted l'sid@ a'higlivay; Y

Finire .4 .a sohoaiatio .diagram .showing the ,varios and lalflfailgolmt of Parts in the condition-responsive ICC 2 responsive device showing the preferred arrangement of parts therein.

' Figureo iis a cross sectional view showing certain elements in -an :alternative construction of thevcondition-responsive device.v Y

.=Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showingthe wiring and ,electrical arrangement .of parts in anotherconstruc- Ationoftthe condition-responsive device. l

Figure 8 :is -a yblock` diagram lshowing the Wiring an electrical arrangement of partsin still 'another construc- -itionofihe conditionresponsive device.

Referring. to the drawings, .the scheme shown .in lFig- .ure 4 includes ,a oat or'wetswitch. "This wetswitch can :be .any .type of standard switch which closes acircuit in .response 4.to .the .presence .of water. The switch Vused -inxthel preferred embodiment, 'as shown .in Figure 5, involves .lanenclosure 37 containing a oat '3.8; which sup- .pontsa .Contact plate 59. When the float '38 .is lifted by rising.\water.f0 .in the .enclosure 37 the .contact plate 39 is carried `fintocontact with vstationary contact-points li-f 115, 6, and Smounted above it. Likewise, ,a decrease of water in the enclosure .will ilovver zthevcontact plate 39 away from the Contact fpoints. An,overowpipe :20 provides an outlet at lthe top of enclosure 37 for excess water -.a ccurnu1ated in the enclosure'.

A funnelA-l is connected with .the enclosure 37. lThe top of the funnel .d1 is mounted in a position kt'oeolleo moisture in the .form of rain, snow or sleet. A screen 3.3 .covers the .top .of .a .tunnel .ell .and .is eleotfrically'wired .so as I0 iorm @resistance .heater element, Bythis `.censime- 1.tion Aany ioo lo1"snow-that might collect andfolog the .Screen ,331i melted-.and passed down Athrough .the iunnel 4.1 :into thaenclowre 37.-

An alternativo const. ation .ofthe Screen snotshown in the drawings., might be desirable in lsome circumstances. This .construction would involve .forming the .Saloon 33 into rroforablv a .conical Shape, the bottom periphery of which would be adapted to lit over the .top o; thegtunnel 451. The lcojnically shaped screen 33 could .be Aelectrieall-y wired so as HVto #torni aresistance heater y element o ria second ,smaller `cone positioned within vvthe vscreen 3l-S could be electricalli/.wired so as to .form-a -resistance heater element.- One of lthe principal-.advantages to "this alternative construction, is that thefforce .of gravity would tend to dislodge debris, such asleaves from -trees V from the surface of the conically shaped lscreen- 33 and therefore eliminate the necessity of the blower 4.2 shown in Figure 5- thetwo fixed contacts ,6 `and 8, rthe circuit is closed and .the lamp 9 is 1a..

A conductor v 10*ex-tends from the power terminal 2A toa r fixed :.c mtact 1 1 positioned above the contact plate 39 v.Conductor1Q includes caution lamp 12 anda therrnoswlth Thermoswitch 3 is adapted to close the circuit including conductor l0, when the atmospheric temperature dropsrbolow some specific value such as 369' F. Thus, it is seenthat when the contact plate 39 has been lifted into contact with the two xed contacts l1 and .6, that aan inthe orouit is closedr When the .thermo-switch f3. .is sbmtted to temperatures bellow the' Specified. value the circuit 1s el A conductor 13 extends from the power terminal 2A to a fixed contact 14 positioned above the contact plate 39. Conductor 13 includes a danger lamp 16, and a thermo-switch 4. The thermo-switch 4 is adapted to close the circuit including the conductor 13, when the atmospheric or actual road temperature, depending on Where it is mounted, drops below 32 F. Thus, it is seen that when the contact plate 39 has been lifted into contact with the two xed contacts 14 and 6, that gap in the circuits is closed. When the thermo-switch 4 is submitted to temperatures below 32 F., that gap in the circuit is closed. When both conditions exist, the circuit is closed and the danger lamp 16, lights.

It is apparent from the foregoing that reverse action to that described also takes place in response to rising temperatures and the declining presence of water. When the temperature rises above 32 F., the circuit including conductor 13 is broken and the danger lamp 16 is no longer lit. When the temperature rises above 36 F., the circuit including conductor is broken and the caution light is no longer lit. At any time that the water in enclosure 37 evaporates to a level incapable of supporting oat 38 in a position by which contact plate 39 contacts the fixed contact points 6, 8, 11 or 14, the circuits represented by those contact points are broken.

To prevent the freezing of water in the enclosure 37 a conductor 17 is extended from the power terminal 2A to a junction with the conductor 13. The conductor 17 may include a transformer 18, in cases where a transformer is needed, and the enclosure heating element 19, as well as the aforementioned screen heating element 33. Thus when the contact plate 39 is lifted into contact with fixed contacts 6 and 14 and the thermo-switch 4 is in a position of closing the circuit, the heating elements 19 and 33 will be operated. In the preferred embodiment of this invention the conductor 17 includes a manual circuit breaker 22. It is envisioned that this will allow highway maintenance oflcials to turn oi the heater elements, once the necessary precautions have been taken and allow the water to melt and evaporate by natural temperature.

Another precaution taken against clogging of the screen 33 is the blower 42. A conductor 21 extends from a junction with the conductor 13 to a junction with the conductor 10, in such a way as to form a closed circuit not dependent upon any of the condition-responsive switching devices. The conductor 21 includes the blower 42 and also the time switch 23. The time switch opens and closes the circuit at regular intervals. When the circuit is closed, the blower directs a blast of air against the underneath side of the screen 33, thus dispelling leaves and other debris that may have collected on the screen.

While the xed contacts 14, 11, 6 and 8 are shown as individual points above the contact plate 39, it will be appreciated that under certain circumstances, it may be desirable to incorporate them into a single contact which could be in the form of a micro-switch with a moisture responsive operating device.

The device shown in Figures 4 and 5 is intended primarily for use in circumstances where relatively close supervision can be maintained by highway o'icials. However where such maintenance is absent, certain modications and additions, as shown in Figure 6, can be employed to make the device capable of eiiicient functioning without regular maintenance.

The device shown in Figure 6 is similar in most respects to the one shown in Figures 4 and 5. The wetswitch 55 is of another standard type. It includes a container 56 which is supported on a compression spring 57. The funnel 41 collects atmospheric moisture and directs it into the container 56. When a sufficient amount of water is accumulated in the container 56, the weight compresses the spring 57 bringing points 58 and 59 into contact.

The funnel 41 is provided with a heating element which is activated by a thermo-switch 53 whenever the atmospheric temperature drops below 38. This eliminates the possibility of snow and sleet clogging the screen 33 before sufficient water has accumulated in -the Wetswitch to close the circuits dependent thereon.

The container 56 is electrically wired to form a heating element which is activated by the thermo-switch 54 in response to temperatures below 33. When the thermoswitch 54 activates the heating element, the temperature in the container 56 is maintained at approximately 33. In this manner the water in the container 56 does not freeze but itis also substantially free from evaporation so long as the atmospheric temperature is low enough to permit ice to remain on the highway.

Another heating element 60 is provided in the container 56. The element 60 is activated by the wet-switch 55 and includes -a cut-out which opens its circuit when the temperature drops below 32. The element 60 provides a predetermined amount of heat which will cause the water in container 56 to evaporate at such a rate as to be completely evaporated at the same time water has completely evaporated from the highway but does not function when the temperature is below freezing, as there would then be no evaporation from the highway.

The device shown in Figure 6, also includes overow tubes 61, 62 and 63 which can also be provided with heating elements responsive to near freezing temperature so as to prevent freezing and clogging thereof. The entire enclosure can be insulated, as can the container and various other elements individually, to aid in preventing freezing of the various components within the enclosure.

'Ilhe overflow tube 62 extends from the top part of the container 56 to the drainage funnel 64 and is suicient to provide drainage for the normal accumulation of water.

Overflow pipe 63 is provided for cases of very heavy rain or snow which create a faster accumulation of water than the capacity of overflow tube 62 will permit to drain. A trough 65, supported on ange 66 of the container 56, surrounds the container 56 in a position of registry with the lip 67 which surrounds the upper edge of container 56. Thus, water overowing through opening 69 drains off the top of container 56 over the lip 67, and into the trough 65 which channels it into the overow tube 63, through which it is delivered to the drainage funnel 64.

The overflow tube 61 is also provided for cases of very heavy rain or snow. Specifically, it extends from the delivery tube 68 to the drainage funnel 64.

It is seen from Figure 3 that the condition-responsive device 32 is mounted near the side of a highway on a metal or wooden post 31. The device 32 is mounted on the very top of the post so that the screen 33 representing the opening to the funnel 41 will be in an unsheltered position for the maximum reception of atmospheric moisture. 'Ilhe signal lights 9, 12, 15, and 16 are mounted just below the device 32. Below the signal lights 9, 12 and 16, the sign board 30 is mounted on the post. The sign board 30 contains an explanation of what the signal lights 9, 12 and 16 represent.

In Figure l, a highway 35 is represented. Various condition-responsive devices 32 are provided at intervals along the side of the highway 35. They are operated by a power source 2 and are connected with the master panel 34, by cable 36. A radio link could also be used if so desired.

Figire 2 shows one version of the master panel 34 such as will be mounted at the local highway maintenance station. It contains caution lamps 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F, and danger lamps 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E, and 16F. Each set of one danger lamp and one caution lamp, is responsive to one of the condition responsive devices mounted along the highway. The precise location of the device is indicated on the master panel, in terms of the number of yards, miles, or whatever reference method between the various devices is used. The lamps could also be mounted on an actual map or other scale representation of the ,road vso as .to .give an ,immediate ,picturebfthe entire road. sec ons condition andnlllily locate an isolated trouble ai In Figure 4 wiring 'prc'ivis'ions for ,the master panel l.lamps are represented by .theconductors -24 vand J2,6 in x'niduits 28 and 29 extending between the roadsid'e'unit and the sub-station control panel. However .the ,signals could also be transmitted by "radio" r''thei' Suitable means.

The construction shown `in Figure 7, includes au electrical arrangement of parts basically similar to the construction shown in Figure 4. A oat switch 43 closes the circuit which includes wet lamp signal 44 in response to the presence of moisture. A thermo-switch 45, adapted to close the circuit when the temperature Ihas dropped beneath a specific degree such as 36 F., closes the circuit which includes caution lamp signal 46. A second thermoswitch 47, is mounted in the highway roadbed adapted to close the circuit when the temperature has dropped beneath 32 F., closes the circuit which includes danger lamp signal 48, and the double pole, double throw relay 49. When the second thermo-switch 47 is closed, the relay 50 is energized and the armature 49 is moved from its dormant position to complete the holding circuit including conductor 51. With the bypass circuit completed, the iloat switch 32 can open its circuits without affecting the danger lamp 48, which will remain on so long as the second thermo-switch 47 remains closed. This arrangement may be preferred in circumstances where frequent checking of the condition responsive device is impractical. It insures that the danger lamp signal 48 will remain lit for as long as the highway roadbed in which the second thermo-switch 47 is mounted, remains at a freezing temperature, even though the moisture required to close the float switch 43 may have evaporated.

The arrangement shown in Figure 7 also shows the manner in which a fog detecting device 52 might be conveniently incorporated in the circuit. The device may be any type of standard fog detecting device such as are now used at airports and could be either incorporated with the other responsive elements or located separately as shown in Figure l. Responsive to the presence of a fog condition, the device would activate a signal lamp such as fog lamp 15 shown in Figure 3.

Figure 8 shows the arrangement of parts in a device similar to that shown in Figure 7, but without a fog detecting device. A float switch closes a circuit including a wet light. A 36 F. thermo-switch closes a circuit including a near freezing light. A 32 F. thermo-switch mounted in the highway roadbed closes a circuit including a danger light.

The heat from the lamp causes a 125 F. thermo-switch mounted in close proximity to the danger lamp, to close a holding circuit. The holding circuit remains closed so long as the 32 F. thermo-switch remains closed and the danger lamp maintains the 125 F. thermo-switch in a closed position.

It is to be understood that while I have described the preferred embodiment of my invention in this specification, many changes, alterations, modifications and substitutions may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A highway guard system for obtaining data and locally displaying highway surface condition information as `an incident of safe driving, comprising infomation display devices located at intervals along the highway, each said device including an atmospheric precipitation responsive device having a water-operated switch means and means to convert lsleet, ice and snow into water to actuate said switch means including heater means to control the temperature and rate of evaporation of the water actuating said switch means and a first signal device energized by said switch means, a first thermo-switch set to close above but near freezing temperature and a second signal device both connected in series with said e Vand valthird signal device both o nnectefd jerit, andholding relay means `connected betweensaid first thermo-switch and said second thermo-switch actuated upon closing of said second thermo-switch to connect said third signal device and said second thermoswitch directly to the power supply to maintain said third signal device energized, after said switch means and said first thermo-switch means may have opened, until said second thermo-switch opens.

2. The system as dened in claim l, in which said second thermo-switch is positioned in the roadbed adjacent said display device.

3. In a highway guard system for obtaining data and locally displaying highway surface condition information as an incident of safe driving, an information display device comprising an atmospheric precipitation responsive device including water-operated switch means and means to convert sleet, ice and snow into water to actuate said switch means including heater means to con- Itrol the temperature and rate of evaporation of the water actuating said switch means and a rst signal device energized by said switch means, a rst thermo-switch set to close above but near freezing temperature and a second signal device both connected in series with said switch means to energize said second signal device when precipitation and near freezing conditions are present, a second thermo-switch set to close at freezing temperature and a third signal device both connected in series with said first thermo-switch to energize said signal device when precipitation and freezing conditions are present, and holding relay means connected between said first thermo-switch and said second thermo-switch actuated upon closing of said second thermo-switch to connect said third signal device and said second thermo-switch directly to the power supply to maintain said third signal device energized, after said switch means and said first thermo-switch means may have opened, until said second thermo-switch opens.

4. In a highway guard system for obtaining data and locally displaying highway surface condition information as an incident of safe driving, comprising an atmospheric precipitation responsive device including wateroperated switch means and means to convert sleet, ice `and snow into water to actuate said switch means including heater means to control the temperature and rate of evaporation of the water .actuating said switch means and a first signal device energized by said switch means, a first thermo-switch set to close above but near freezing temperature and a second signal device both connected in series with said switch means to energize said second signal device when precipitation and near freezing conditions are present, a second thermo-switch set to close at freezing temperature and a third signal device both connected in series with said first thermo-switch to energize said signal device when precipitation and freezing conditions are present, and a holding thermo-switch means connected between said first thermo-switch and said second thermo-switch `actuated upon closing of said second thermo-switch by the heat of said third signal device to connect said third signal device and said second thermoswitch directly to the power supply to maintain said third signal device energized, after said switch means and said virst thermo-switch means may have opened, until said (Other references on following page) 8 Dyke Apr. 2, 1957 Clark Aug. 26, 1958 OTHER REFERENCES The American City, v01. 68, Issue 5, page 149, May 1953.

Popular Science, page 91, July 1952.

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